Hygiene Product Pod and Methods of Using Same

ABSTRACT

A hygiene product, a hygiene product pod, and a method of using the hygiene product pod, the hygiene product pod including a water soluble envelope and the hygiene product sealed in the envelope. The hygiene product includes a carrier comprising butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %, based on the total weigh of hygiene product, and an active agent including at least one surfactant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/149,543, filed Oct. 2, 2018, entitled “HYGIENE PRODUCT POD ANDMETHODS OF USING SAME”, which is a division of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/986,592, entitled “HYGIENE PRODUCT POD AND METHODS OF USINGSAME”, filed May 22, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/618,826, entitled “HYGIENE PRODUCT PODAND METHODS OF USING SAME”, filed Jan. 18, 2018, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a hygiene product podconfigured for single-use applications, and a method of using such apod.

BACKGROUND

Hygiene products, such as shampoo, bodywash, shaving cream, andconditioner are usually sold in a liquid or gel format. Such hygieneproducts generally contain active agents, such as surfactants and/orconditioners, in addition to significant amounts of water and/orviscosity control agents. Such hygiene products are most commonlyprovided in bottles containing enough product for many applications.While such products are suitable for many consumer applications, thereis a need for smaller amounts of hygiene product, particularly in thetravel and hospitality industries.

Hygiene products have been provided in small bottles for use in thehospitality and/or travel industries. However, the small bottles ofshampoo/conditioner/shaving cream generally found in the hospitalityindustry have a high packaging to product ratio, which contributes tohigher costs and excessive amounts of waste.

In addition, single-dose packages of shampoo/conditioner packaged inplastic sachets, bags, or blister packs have also been developed.However, such packaging is generally not recycled or biodegradable.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments include a hygiene product having a carrier thatincludes butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % toabout 70 wt %, based on the total weigh of hygiene product; and anactive agent comprising at least one surfactant.

Various embodiments include a single-use hygiene product pod having awater-soluble envelope and a hygiene product sealed in the envelope, inwhich the hygiene product includes a carrier comprising butylene glycolin an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %, based on thetotal weigh of hygiene product, and an active agent comprising at leastone surfactant.

Various embodiments include a method of using a hygiene product podcomprising a water-soluble envelope and a hygiene product sealed in theenvelope in which the hygiene product includes an active agent and acarrier comprising butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 40 wt% to about 70 wt %, based on the total weight of hygiene product, themethod including applying water to the pod to dissolve the envelope andrelease the hygiene product, applying the hygiene product to at leastone body part of a user, and rinsing the hygiene product from the bodypart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description given below, serve to explain the features of theinvention.

FIG. 1A photograph of the hygiene product pod various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pod of FIG. 1A after an optionalcutting process.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a hygiene product pod, according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a hygiene product pod, according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of using a hygieneproduct pods, according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention or the claims.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

It will also be understood that, as used herein, the terms “the,” “a,”or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one”unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example,reference to “a slot” includes examples having two or more slots unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, examples include from the one particular value and/or to theother particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Insome embodiments, a value of “about X” may include values of +/−1% X. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

Various embodiments relate to hygiene product pods in which the hygieneproduct is encapsulated in a water-soluble envelope in a single doseformat. The hygiene product pods may provide cleansing and/orconditioning agents for hair and/or skin. In particular, the hygieneproduct includes an active ingredient, such as shampoo, conditioner, ora combination thereof, within a carrier that features butylene glycol inan amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %, based on thetotal weigh of hygiene product.

Hygiene Product Pods

Various embodiments include single-dose hygiene products in the form ofpods. Herein, the term “pod” refers to water-soluble envelope in theshape of a capsule, sphere, drop, or the like, filled with a hygieneproduct in which includes an active ingredient within a carrier that isbutylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt%, based on the total weigh of hygiene product. For example, a pod mayinclude an envelope encapsulating a liquid or gel of hygiene product. Apod may have any suitable shape and/or size. A pod may contain asufficient amount of hygiene product for a single use. For example, apod may contain an amount of shampoo sufficient to clean one head ofhair, may contain an amount of bodywash sufficient to wash one body, ormay contain an amount of a shaving product sufficient to shave one ormore body parts. As used herein, the term “shaving product” may refer toshaving cream, shaving gel, or a precursor composition configured toform a shaving product.

In some embodiments, a pod containing shampoo, conditioner, or shampooand conditioner within a butylene glycol-based carrier may range involume from about 4 g to about 12 g, such as from about 5 g to about 8g. A pod containing bodywash may range in volume from about 6 g to about15 g, such as from about 8 g to about 10 g. Pods including aconcentrated active agent may be smaller than pods containing undilutedor semi-diluted active agents.

FIG. 1A is a photograph of hygiene product pods 100, according tovarious embodiments. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pod 100 ofFIG. 1A, after an optional trimming process. Referring to FIGS. 1A and1B, the pod 100 includes a hygiene product 104 sealed in a water-solubleenvelope 102. The pod 100 may be generally drop-shaped (as shown).However, the pod 100 is not limited to any particular shape. Forexample, the pod 100 may be rectangular, circular, triangular, square,pentagonal, circular, elliptical, tablet-shaped, or the like.

The envelope 102 may be configured to rapidly dissolve in the presenceof a solvent such as water. For example, the envelope 102 may include orbe formed of a water-soluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH),carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or the like. The water-soluble materialmay be in the form of a film or a woven or non-woven fiber, such as aPVOH or CMC fiber. For example, the envelope 102 may be formed of a PVOHfilm, such as Monosol 9643, available from Kuraray Inc.

The envelope 102 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about5.0 mm. The envelope 102 may have a pH ranging from about 4.0 to about9.0, at a temperature of about 25° C. The envelope 102 may be configuredto dissolve in water at about 25° C. in a time period ranging from about3 seconds to about 15 seconds, such as from about 5 seconds to about 7seconds.

It has been found that forming the envelope 102 of PVOH may beparticularly beneficial. For example, dissolved PVOH may act as afilm-former (e.g., conditioning agent) and/or a foam-boosting agent.Accordingly, a PVOH envelope 102 may unexpectedly improve the propertiesof the hygiene product 104 by adding to suds, bubbles, or foam when inuse.

The pod 100 may be formed by sealing two sheets or layers of thewater-soluble material around the hygiene product 104. For example, theenvelope 102 may be formed by placing the hygiene product 104 betweentwo sheets of the water-soluble material, and then sealing theperimeters of the two sheets so as to form a seal region 106 thatextends around the entire perimeter of the pod 100. In some embodiments,the sheets may be partially sealed (e.g., sealed along three sides) toform the envelope 102, after which the hygiene product 104 may beinserted into an open end of the envelope 102 followed by sealing of theopen end to complete the pod 100.

In various embodiments, the sealing may be accomplished using anysuitable sealing method. In some embodiments, the water-soluble materialmay be sealed using a heat sealing method. In other embodiments, thesealing may include the use of a water-soluble adhesive. In someembodiments, pods 100 may be formed using a packing machine, such as aHydroforma packaging machine manufactured by Cloud Packaging Solutions,Des Plaines, IL.

As shown in FIG. 1B, at least a portion of the seal region 106 may beoptionally removed from the pod 100, to form a tab 108. For example, theenvelope 102 may be cut during manufacturing of the pod 100. The tab 108may operate as a contact point to facilitate handling of the pod 100and/or removal of the pod 100 from product packaging.

In some embodiments, the pod 100 may optionally include an externalmoisture barrier. For example, the moisture barrier may be a hydrophobiccoating or film applied to the outer surface of the envelope 102. Insome embodiments, the moisture barrier may comprise hydrophobicesterified plant tri-glycerides, naturally occurring plant fats, or thelike. In some embodiments, the moisture barrier may be configured tobreakdown or dissolve in warm water.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a hygiene product pod 110, according tovarious embodiments. The pod 110 is similar to the pod 100, so only thedifferences therebetween will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the pod 110 includes an envelope 102 in which ahygiene product 104 is disposed. In contrast to the pod 100 illustratedin FIG. 1 , the envelope 102 is formed by sealing a single folded sheetof the water-soluble material around the hygiene product 104. As aresult, the pod 110 includes a seal region 106 that extends along threesides of the hygiene product 104, and a folded region 112 that extendsbetween opposing ends of the seal region 106.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a hygiene product pod 120 according to variousembodiments. The pod 120 is similar to the pod 100, so only thedifferences therebetween will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the pod 120 includes an envelope 102 in which ahygiene product 104 is disposed. In contrast to the pod 100 illustratedin FIG. 1 , the envelope 102 is formed by sealing opposing ends of atubular sheet of the water-soluble material in which the hygiene product104 is disposed. As a result, the pod 120 includes seal regions 106disposed at opposing ends of the pod 120.

While three methods of forming pods have been described above, thepresent disclosure is not limited to any particular method of envelopeformation.

Hygiene Products

According to various embodiments, the hygiene product may be in the formof a shampoo, a conditioner, a bodywash, or any combination thereof,such as a combined shampoo, bodywash, and/or conditioner within acarrier that features butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25wt % to about 75 wt %, such as from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %,based on the total weigh of hygiene product. For example, in someembodiments, the hygiene product may include a carrier comprisingbutylene glycol in amounts ranging from about 30 wt % to about 70 wt %,from about 35 wt % to about 65 wt %, from about 40 wt % to about 60 wt%, or from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt % based on the total weight ofthe hygiene product.

For ease of reference, such products may be generically referred toherein as “cleansing products.” In some embodiments, the hygiene productmay be in liquid or gel form. In other embodiments, the hygiene productmay be in the form of a shaving product, such as a shaving gel, cream,liquid, or the like, also within a carrier that features butylene glycolin an amount as described above, such as an amount ranging from about wt% to about 75 wt %, or from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %, based on thetotal weigh of hygiene product.

In various embodiments, such as in the case of cleansing products, thehygiene product may include an active agent and a carrier (e.g., asurfactant vehicle or filler) including butylene glycol in an amountranging from about 25 wt % to about 75 wt %, such as from about 40 wt %to about 70 wt %, based on the total weigh of hygiene product. Theactive agent may be dispersed in the carrier. The hygiene product mayoptionally include one or more thickeners (e.g., gellants), and/or oneor more secondary ingredients.

In various embodiments, the water content of the hygiene product may becontrolled to prevent dissolution of the envelope. For example, thehygiene product may have a free water content of about 20 wt % or less,such as 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less, based on the totalweight of the hygiene product. In some embodiments, the hygiene productmay have a free water content ranging from about 1% to about 12%, suchas from about 2% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the hygieneproduct. The secondary ingredients may be configured to reduce the wateractivity (aW) of the hygiene product.

The active agent may include a surfactant and/or a surfactant systemcomprising a mixture of surfactants, one or more cleansing agents,and/or one or more conditioning agents. The conditioning agents may beconfigured to counteract the inherent harshness of the surfactants. Theconditioning agents, carrier, thickeners (e.g., gellants), and/orsecondary ingredients may be configured to increase the integrity of apod and/or may operate to disperse the active agent when the pod isdissolved in water.

Active Agents

In various embodiments, the active agent may be formulated as a shampoo,a bodywash, a conditioner, or any combinations thereof (e.g., formulatedas a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner or a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner,and bodywash). In other embodiments, the active agent may be formulatedas a shaving product. Accordingly, as used herein, the “active agent”may refer to any of the above formulations.

In various embodiments, the active agent may be in the form of aconcentrate, such as shampoo concentrate, a conditioner concentrate, abodywash concentrate, or any combinations thereof. The active agent maybe in the form of a shaving product concentrate in other embodiments. Insome embodiments, the active agent may include one or more of the abovecomponents in a powdered format.

In various embodiments, the active agent may include anionic, nonionic,and/or amphoteric surfactants, or any combinations thereof. Non-limitingexamples of suitable anionic surfactants include alkali metalsulforicinates, sulfonated glyceryl esters of fatty acids, such assulfonated monoglycerides of coconut oil acids, salts of sulfonatedmonovalent alcohol esters such as sodium oleylisethianate, metal soapsof fatty acids, amides of amino sulfonic acids such as the sodium saltof oleyl methyl tauride, sulfonated products of fatty acids nitriles,such as palmitonitrile sulfonate, sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons suchas sodium alpha-naphthalene monosulfonate, condensation products ofnaphthalene sulfonic acids with formaldehyde, sodium octahydroanthracenesulfonate, alkali metal alkyl sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate,ammonium lauryl sulfate or triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, ethersulfates having alkyl groups of 8 or more carbon atoms, such as sodiumlauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium alkyl arylether sulfates, and ammonium alkyl aryl ether sulfates,alkylarylsulfonates having 1 or more alkyl groups of 8 or more carbonatoms, alkylbenzenesulfonic acid alkali metal salts exemplified byhexylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, octylbenzenesulfonic acid sodiumsalt, calcium salts, decylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt,dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, cetylbenzenesulfonic acidsodium salt, and myristylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, sulphuricesters of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether includingCH₃(CH₂)₆CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₂SO₃H, CH₃(CH₂)₇CH₂O(C₂H₄O)_(3.5)SO₃H,CH₃(CH₂)₈CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₈SO₃H, CH₃(CH₂)₁₉CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₄SO₃H, andCH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₆SO₃H, sodium salts, potassium salts, and aminesalts of alkylnapthylsulfonic acid.

Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include variousfatty acid amines and amides and their derivatives, and the salts of thefatty acid amines and amides. Examples of aliphatic fatty acid aminesinclude dodecylamine acetate, octadecylamine acetate, and acetates ofthe amines of tallow fatty acids, homologues of aromatic amines havingfatty acids such as dodecylanalin, fatty amides derived from aliphaticdiamines such as undecylimidazoline, fatty amides derived from aliphaticdiamines, such as undecylimidazoline, fatty amides derived fromdisubstituted amines such as oleylaminodiethylamine, derivatives ofethylene diamine, quaternary ammonium compounds and their salts whichare exemplified by tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride,dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, didodecyldimethyl ammoniumchloride, dihexadecyl ammonium chloride, alkyltrimethylammoniumhydroxides such as octyltrimethylammonium hydroxide,dodecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, or hexadecyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide, dialkyldimethylammonium hydroxides such asoctyldimethylammonium hydroxide, decyldimethylammonium hydroxide,didodecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, dioctadecyldimethylammoniumhydroxide, tallow trimethylammonium hydroxide, trimethylammoniumhydroxide, methylpolyoxyethylene cocoammonium chloride, and dipalmitylhydroxyethylammonium methosulfate, amide derivatives of amino alcoholssuch as beta-hydroxylethylstearylamide, and amine salts of long chainfatty acids.

Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include alsoquaternary ammonium halides such as octyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, hexadecyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, octyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride and coco trimethyl ammonium chloride as well as othersalts of these materials, fatty amines and basic pyridinium compounds,quaternary ammonium bases of benzimidazolines, polypropanolpolyethanolamines, polyethoxylated quaternary ammonium salts and ethylene oxidecondensation products of the primary fatty amines, available from ArmakCompany, Chicago, Ill. under the tradenames Ethoquad, Ethomeen, orArquad. Suitable cationic surfactants can also be an esterquat typecompound.

Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants includecapryloyl/caproyl methyl glucamide and lauroyl/myristoyl methylglucamide, lauryldimethylamine oxide (e.g., lauramine oxide), decylglucosides, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenolethers, polyoxyethylene lauryl ethers, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonoleates, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkylesters. Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensates of ethyleneoxide with a long chain (fatty) alcohol or (fatty) acid, condensates ofethylene oxide with an amine or an amide, condensation products ofethylene and propylene oxides, fatty acid alkylol amide and fatty amineoxides. Examples of non-ionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkylethers such as polyethylene glycol long chain (12-14C) alkyl ether,polyoxyalkylene sorbitan ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkoxylate esters,polyoxyalkylene alkylphenol ethers, ethylene glycol propylene glycolcopolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and alkylpolysaccharides.

Non-limiting examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants includealiphatic secondary or tertiary amine derivatives in which the aliphaticradical is a linear or branched chain containing 8 to 22 carbon atomsand containing-at least one water-soluble anionic group (for examplecarboxylate, sulphonate, sulphate, phosphate or phosphonate); mentionmay also be made of (C₈-C₂₀)alkyl-betaines, sulphobetaines,(C₈-C₂₀)alkylamido(C₁-C₆)alkyl-betaines, or(C₈-C₂₀)alkylamido(C₁-C₆)alkylsulphobetaines. In some embodiments,bocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) may be included in the hygiene product asan amphoteric surfactant.

In some embodiments, environmentally friendly surfactants may be used,such as sulfate-free surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate,alpha olefin sulfonate, or the like, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, surfactants and/or cleansing agents derived fromnatural oils, such as coconut oil, safflower oil, or the like, may beused. For example, the hygiene product may include a surfactant systemcomprising a mixture of naturally derived surfactants and/or cleansingagents, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate (Hostapon SCI-85 C,manufactured by Clariant Corp.), cocamidopropyl betaine (ChembetaineC-42, manufactured by Lubrizol Corp.), capryloyl/caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl/myristoyl methyl glucamide (GlucoTain Plus,manufactured by Clariant Corp.), cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloridephosphate (Cola Lipid C, manufactured by Colonial Chemical Inc.),linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate (Cola Lipid SAFL,manufactured by Colonial Chemical Inc.), lauramine oxide (Mackamine LO,manufactured by Solvay Novecare Corp.), or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include, based on thetotal weight of the hygiene product, from about 20 wt % to about 60 wt%, such as from about 30 wt % to about 50 wt %, from about 35 wt % toabout 45 wt %, or about 40 wt % of the surfactant system.

In various embodiments, the surfactant system may include, based on thetotal weight of the hygiene product, from about 0 wt % to about 40 wt %,such as from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, from about 15 wt % to about27 wt %, from about 18 wt % to about 25 wt %, or from about 20 wt % toabout 23 wt % sodium cocoyl isethionate.

The surfactant system may include, based on the total weight of thehygiene product, from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, such as from about1 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 3wt % to about 7 wt %, or from about 4 wt % to about 6 wt %cocamidopropyl betaine.

The surfactant system may include, based on the total weight of thehygiene product, from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, such as from about2 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 9 wt %, or fromabout 4 wt % to about 8 wt % capryloyl/caproyl methyl glucamide andlauroyl/myristoyl methyl glucamide.

The surfactant system may include, based on the total weight of thehygiene product, from about 0 wt % to about 12 wt %, such as from about0.5 wt % to about 6 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, or fromabout 2 wt % to about 4% linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloridephosphate.

The surfactant system may include, based on the total weight of thehygiene product, from about 0 wt % to about 12 wt %, such as from about0.5 wt % to about 6 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, or fromabout 2 wt % to about 4% cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

The surfactant system may include, based on the total weight of thehygiene product, from about 0 wt % to about 15 wt %, such as from about1 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %, or from about3 wt % lauramine oxide.

In some embodiments, the surfactant system may include capryloyl/caproylmethyl glucamide (and) lauroyl/myristoyl methyl glucamide, sodium cocoylisothionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and cocamidopropyl PG-dimoniumchloride phosphate.

In some embodiments, the active agent may include one or moreconditioners. Non-limiting examples of suitable conditioners includepetrolatum, fatty acids, esters of fatty acids, fatty alcohols,ethoxylated alcohols, polyol polyesters, glycerin, glycerin mono-esters,glycerin polyesters, epidermal and sebaceous hydrocarbons, lanolin,straight and branched hydrocarbons, silicone oil, silicone gum,vegetable oil, vegetable oil adduct, hydrogenated vegetable oils,nonionic polymers, natural waxes, synthetic waxes, polyolefinic glycols,polyolefinic monoester, polyolefinic polyesters, cholesterols,cholesterol esters, triglycerides and mixtures thereof

Carriers

In various embodiments, the carrier may operate as surfactant vehicleand/or filler. In some embodiments, the carrier may be selected orconfigured to lower the overall reactivity of the hygiene product andthe envelope. For example, the carrier may operate to control the freewater percentage of the hygiene product. In some embodiments, thecarrier may be a non-aqueous liquid and/or may be configured to moistenpod components. In some embodiments, the carrier may also operate as aconditioner for hair and/or skin.

In some embodiments, the carrier may include an organic alcohol, suchas, butanediol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, N-acetyldiglycoamine, glycerin (e.g., glycerol), combinations thereof, or thelike. With regard to butanediols, 1,3-butylene glycol (e.g., butyleneglycol) may be particularly useful as a carrier because butylene glycolhas been found by the inventors to be compatible with a hygiene productpod envelope material and to also provide conditioning and/or productfeel benefits. However, other butanediols may also be used, such as1,2-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, and 1,4-butanediol, either alone or incombination with 1,3-butanediol.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include butylene glycol(i.e., 1,3 butanediol) in a range, based on the total weight of thehygiene product, from about 25 wt % to about 75 wt %, such as from about30 wt % to about 70 wt %, from about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %, fromabout 35 wt % to about 65 wt %, from about 45 wt % to about 70 wt %,from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt %, or from about 50 wt % to about 60wt %. In some embodiments, the butylene glycol may be natural butyleneglycol, which is derived from plant materials, such as sugar cane.Suitable natural butylene glycol is available from Genomatica Inc.

Thickeners/Gelants

In various embodiments, the hygiene product pods may include one or morethickeners which may be referred to as gellants. For example, thethickeners may include hygroscopic polymers, such as guar gum (e.g.,cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum), cationic guar gum, xanthan gum, starch,pregelatinized starch, modified starches, such as hydroxypropyl starchphosphate and sodium starch glycolate, honey, polyvinyl pyrolidone(PVP), ExpertGel EG312 (poloxamer 338/PPG-12/SMDI copolymer) availablefrom DKSH Inc., ExpertGel EG412 (poloxamer 407, PPG-12/SMDI copolymer)available from DKSH Inc, combinations thereof, or the like. In someembodiments, the thickeners may include cellulose derivatives such ascarboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose gum, or tylose powder. In someembodiments, the hygiene product may include a polyoxyethylene ether.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include a hydroscopicpolymer thickener in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 0.4 wt%, such as from about wt % to about 0.3 wt %, or from about 0.1 wt % toabout 0.2 wt %, based on the total weight of the hygiene product.

For example, the hygiene product may include a modified starch thickenerin an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, such as fromabout 0.2 wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.3 wt % to about 1 wt %,based on the total weight of the hygiene product.

In some embodiments, the thickeners may include nonionic surfactantsconfigured to form a lamellar network. For example, the thickeners mayinclude a lamellar network formed from polyoxyethylene ethers includinga mixture of high molecular mass saturated fatty alcohols, mainly cetylalcohol and stearyl alcohol, such as ceteareth-20. In some embodiments,the hygiene product may include a nonionic surfactant in an amountranging from about 8 wt % to about 18 wt %, such as about 12 wt %, basedon the total weight of the hygiene product.

Carrier Diffusion Control

In some embodiments, the envelope of the hygiene product pod may havesome amount of permeability with respect to the hygiene product. Thiscould lead to diffusion of one or more components of the hygiene productthrough the envelope over time, which may reduce pod shelf-life. Forexample, an envelope formed of PVOH could inherently have some amountpermeability with respect the butylene glycol carrier. Accordingly, thehygiene product may include thickeners configured to reduce carrierpermeation through the envelope.

For example, according to various embodiments, the hygiene product maybe configured as a lamellar gellant system. For example, athickener/gellant may be added to the hygiene product as a secondaryingredient. In some embodiments, a mixture including a nonionicsurfactant thickener/gellant, such as a fatty alcohol, an active agent,and a carrier may be heated above the melting point of the surfactant,and then the mixture may be cooled below the melting point of thesurfactant. As a result, the surfactant may form a lamellar phase withinthe carrier.

For example, the mixture may include ceteareth-20, an active agent, anda carrier including butylene glycol. The mixture may be heated to abovethe melting point of the ceteareth-20 and then cooled, such that theceteareth-20 forms a lamellar gel network surrounding the butyleneglycol.

An amount of nonionic surfactant (e.g., ceteareth-20) included in thehygiene product may range from about 8 wt % to about 18 wt %, such asabout 12 wt %, based on the total weight of the hygiene product. Amountsabove 18 wt % may excessively reduce foaming after hydration. Amounts ofless than about 8 wt % may be insufficient to form a stable gel andreduce diffusion of the butylene glycol. Amounts within the range mayprovide a flowable, smooth, shampoo or bodywash hygiene product withadequate foaming, and may provide a pod having a shelf life of one yearor more.

According to some embodiments, the hygiene product may include an oilphase. For example, oil may be added to an active agent/carrier mixtureduring or prior to heating the mixture. The heated mixture may beblended to form an oil-in-polyol emulsion, followed by cooling. Forexample, such an emulsion may include an anhydrous conditionerconcentrate as an active agent.

In various embodiments, thickeners such as carboxymethyl cellulose,cellulose gum, or tylose powder may be added to the hygiene product toreduce diffusion of the butylene glycol through the envelope. Forexample, tylose powder may be added to the hygiene product in an amountranging from about 0.05 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, such as from about 0.15wt % to about 0.25 wt %, or about based on the total weight of thehygiene product.

Secondary Ingredients

In various embodiments, the hygiene product pods may include secondaryingredients. For example, the secondary ingredients may includebuffers/pH adjusters, dyes/colorants, moisturizers, fragrances,vitamins, texture modifiers, essential oils, foam enhancers, andanti-microbial agents, combinations thereof, or the like. In variousembodiments, hygiene products may include from about 0 wt % to about 8wt % secondary ingredients.

The buffers/pH adjusters may include calcium ions, potassium ions, orhydroxide ions, any combination thereof, or any salts or compoundscapable of generation such ions. The buffers/pH adjusters may be blendedat various ratios, in order to provide a suitable pH. For example, asuitable amount of buffer/pH adjuster may be added to the hygieneproduct to provide a slightly acidic pH for compatibility with PVOHenvelopes. For example, the hygiene product may advantageously have aroom temperature pH ranging from about 4.8 to about 6.9, such as fromabout 5.0 to about 6.8.

In some embodiments, the secondary ingredients may include essentialoils such as lavender oil, rosemary oil, cedar wood oil, thyme oil,peppermint oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, lemon oil, patchouli oil, teatree oil, ylang ylang oil, vetiver oil, carrot seed oil, cypress oil,helichrysum oil, combinations thereof, or the like.

In some embodiments, hygiene products may include moisturizers such asbetaine (Genencare OSMS BA, manufactured by Dupont Corp.) In someembodiments, hygiene products may include vitamins such as tocopherol,DL Panthenol, or combinations thereof.

Secondary ingredients useful for improving dissolvability and/or foamingmay include coconut milk powder, arrow root powder, colloidal oatmealpowder, combinations thereof, or the like. In various embodiments,hygiene products may include a secondary ingredient, such as coconutmilk powder, arrow root powder, colloidal oatmeal powder, or anycombination thereof, in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 22wt %, such as from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, or from about 8 wt %to about 15 wt %. Colloidal oatmeal powder may also operate as a texturemodifier to provide a smoother texture.

Any suitable colorant may be used. Hygiene products may include acolorant in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 0.3 wt %, suchas from about 0.1 wt % to about 0.2 wt %.

In various embodiments, a suitable fragrance may be used. Usefulfragrances may be in liquid form, such as traditional fragrances thatare combinations of synthetic and natural compounds, natural fragrancesthat consist of a blend of natural extracts and essential oils, oressential oils in the pure and neat form. Hygiene products may include afragrance oil in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 0.3 wt %,such as from about 0.1 wt % to about 0.2 wt %.

In various embodiments, texture modifiers may include micro or macroabrasive agents, such as when a pod includes a body scrub. Suitableabrasive agents include, for example, nut powders, silica powders,polymer beads such as wax beads, combinations thereof, or the like. Insome embodiments, hygiene products may include an abrasive agent in anamount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 3 wt %, such as from about 0.1wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.2 wt % to about 1 wt %.

In some embodiments, texture modifiers may include swellable,cross-linkable, hygroscopic polymers, such as guar gum (e.g., cyamopsistetragonoloba gum), cationic guar gum, xanthan gum, or the like, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, hygiene products may includea hygroscopic polymer in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about0.4 wt %, such as from about 0.05 wt % to about 0.3 wt %, or from about0.1 wt % to about 0.2 wt %.

In various embodiments, anti-microbial agents may be natural materialshaving anti-microbial effects. For example, anti-microbial agents mayinclude thyme oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, citrusessential oil, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, honey, orthe like. Hygiene products may include an anti-microbial agent in anamount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 3 wt %, such as from about 0.1wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.2 wt % to about 1 wt %.

Method of Using Hygiene Product Pods

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of using ahygiene product pod according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG.4 , in step 402, a pod as described above may be removed from acontainer or packaging and may be placed in the hand of a user. Thecontainer may include multiple pods and may be configured to limit theexposure of the pods contained therein to moisture. For example, thecontainer may be formed of water resistant paper or paperboard, such asthe types of paper used for packaging soap, sugar, or flour. In otherembodiments, the pods may be packaged in biodegradable or recyclablepacks, for example, in blister packs, polylactic acid bags, for example.Accordingly, the pods may be packaged in a single dose format withminimal environmental impact.

In step 404, water is applied to the pod, such as while holding the podin one's hands. In some embodiments, friction and/or agitation may alsooptionally be applied to the pod. The pod may remain in contact with thewater in the user's hand and the optional friction may be applied, for atime period sufficient for the water to dissolve the envelope of the podand release the hygiene product contained therein. For example, a timeperiod for completely or substantially completely dissolving theenvelope of the pod may range from about 0.5 seconds to about 1 minute,such as from about 1 second to about 30 seconds, from about 1 second toabout 20 seconds, or from about 1 second to about 10 seconds. Thedissolution time may vary according to an amount of applied frictionand/or the temperature of the applied water (e.g., increased frictionand/or water temperatures may result in a reduced dissolution time).

In step 406, the hygiene product is applied to the body of the user. Forexample, the hygiene product may be applied to the hair of the user,when the hygiene product is in the form of a shampoo and/or a combinedshampoo, conditioner, and/or bodywash. In other embodiments, hygieneproduct may be applied to the body and/or hair of the user, when thehygiene product is in the form of bodywash, a combined shampoo andbodywash, and/or a combined bodywash, shampoo, and conditioner. In otherembodiments, the hygiene product may be applied to areas of the user'sskin where hair is intended to be removed, when the hygiene produce isin the form of a shaving product.

In step 408, the hygiene product may be rinsed from the applied area orareas.

Exemplary Formulations

Exemplary hygiene product Compositions 1-29 are listed in the followingTables 1-7. The components of each of the example compositions weremixed to form hygiene products. The hygiene products were then packagedto form pods using methods as described above. The pods were theninserted into water-resistant packaging.

TABLE 1 Comp. 1 Comp. 2 Comp. 3 Comp. 4 Comp. 5 Weight Weight WeightWeight Weight Component % % % % % 1,3 Butanediol 70.0 60.0 60.0 68.062.0 Hostapon SCI-85 22.0 22.0 20.0 P Cola Det. EQ- 22.0 14.0 154Chembetaine C- 3.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 5.0 42 Glucotain Plus 3.0 8.0 8.0 6.0 7.0Cola Lipid C 2.0 4.0 4.0 Cola Lipid SAFL 6.0 6.0

Composition 1 exhibited immediate phase separation upon mixing.Composition 2 formed an overly dense creamy solid. Compositions 3 and 4were prepared to test the substitution of replacement of Hostapon SCI-85P with Cola Det. EQ-154. Compositions 3 and 4 both exhibited phaseseparation. Composition 5 was a variation of Composition 2, whichsubstituted Cola Lipid SAFL for Cola Lipid C. Composition 5 was denseand creamy and exhibited slight phase separation in air bubbles andcrevices of retain.

TABLE 2 Comp. 6 Comp. 7 Comp. 8 Comp. 9 Comp. 10 Component Weight %Weight % Weight % Weight % Weight % 1,3 Butanediol 62.0 62.0 50.0 60.059.0 Hostapon SCI- 20.0 20.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 85 P Chembetaine 5.0 5.0C-42 Glucotain Plus 6.0 6.0 8.0 4.0 7.0 Cola Lipid C 4.0 2.0 Cola Lipid4.0 4.0 2.0 5.0 SAFL Mackomine 4.0 3.0 LO Chembetaine 6.0 4.0 5.0 C-42Glycerin 3.0 2.5 Water 4.0 Essential Oil 1.5 Blend Merquat 3.0 3330PRGenencare 3.0 3.0 OSMS

Compositions 6-13 included conditioning agents and essential oils, aswell as additional ingredients, to produce stable, dense hygieneproducts. In Composition 6, Merquat 3330 PR was initially mixed withbutylene glycol and quickly polymerized to form a globule that would notassociate with the remaining components. Composition 7 exhibited phaseseparation at the bottom of the sample. Composition 8 included anadditional foam booster and water in an attempt to partially hydrate theHostapon SCI-85 P. Composition 8 formed a thick paste. Composition 9formed a softer, creamier hygiene product than previous compositions.Composition 10 formed a relatively soft and creamy hygiene productpaste, but was not flowable and exhibited some phase separation.

TABLE 3 Comp. 11 Comp. 12 Comp. 13 Comp. 14 Comp. 15 Weight WeightWeight Weight Weight Component % % % % % 1,3 Butanediol 59.0 58.0 59.061.0 59.0 Hostapon SCI- 21.0 13.0 19.5 19.5 19.5 85 P GlucoTain Plus 8.07.0 8.0 7.0 8.0 Cola Lipid C 5.0 Cola Lipid 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 SAFLChembetaine 6.0 5.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 C-42 Essential Oil 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 BlendGenencare 1.0 1.0 OSMS BA Arnica Extract 1.5 Poly Sugamulse 3.0Tocopherol 0.5 Water 7.5

Composition 11 formed a relatively soft and creamy paste that was notflowable. Composition 12 formed a spongy solid. Composition 13 wasspreadable and soft and exhibited high stability. Composition 14 testedthe inclusion of arnica extract and Poly Sugamulse as an emulsifier,which resulted in a granular paste. Composition 15 was similar toComposition 5, but included an increased liquid to surfactant ratio.

TABLE 4 Comp. 11 Comp. 12 Comp. 13 Comp. 14 Comp. 15 Component Weight %Weight % Weight % Weight % Weight % Butanediol 60.0 59.0 59.0 69.5 60.91,3 Hostapon 18.5 18.5 17.0 14.0 18.0 SCI-85 P GlucoTain 7.0 7.0 6.0 3.07.0 Plus Chembetaine 6.0 6.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 C-42 Cola Lipid C 4.0 ColaLipid 6.0 6.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 SAFL Essential Oil 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 BlendArnica 1.0 2.0 2.0 0.5 Extract Genencare 0.5 0.5 OSMS BA DL 0.5 0.5 1.01.0 0.5 Panthenol Coconut 3.0 1.5 Milk Powder Tocopherol 0.5 0.1

Compositions 16-22 were formulated to provide lower viscosity hygieneproducts. Compositions 16 and 17 were warmed during mixing to facilitatedissolution of the Genencare and Panthenol conditioners. Composition 18exhibited relatively lower viscosity but also exhibited slight phaseseparation after 48 hours. Composition 19 had even lower viscosity butalso exhibited increased phase separation. Composition 20 was formulatedto correct the deficiencies of Composition 19, but resulted in a hygieneproduct that was overly viscus (hard).

TABLE 5 Comp. 21 Comp. 22 Component Weight % Weight % 1,3 Butanediol60.9 20.9 Propane-1,2-Diol 40.0 Hostapon SCI-85 18.0 18.0 P GlucoTainPlus 7.0 7.0 Chembetaine C-42 5.0 5.0 Cola Lipid SAFL 5.0 5.0 EssentialOil 1.5 1.5 Blend Arnica Extract 0.5 0.5 Coconut Milk 1.5 1.5 Powder DLPanthenol Genencare OSMS 0.5 0.5 BA Tocopherol 0.1 0.1

Composition 21 was similar to Composition 20, except for substitutingGenencar for Panthenol, resulting in improved flowability, stability,and texture. Composition 22 included both butylene glycol and ethyleneglycol, resulting in a composition that dissolved a PVOH envelope wheninserted therein.

TABLE 6 Comp. 23 Comp. 24 Comp. 25 Comp. 26 Component Weight % Weight %Weight % Weight % 1,3 Butanediol 51.0 48.4 51.3 51.2 Ceteareth-20 12.014.0 10.0 12.0 Hostapon SCI-85 P 21.0 23.0 21.0 21.0 GlucoTain Plus 5.04.0 5.0 5.0 Cola Lipid SAFL 4.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 Cola Lipid C 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0Chembetaine C-42 2.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 Essential Oil Blend 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5Arnica Extract 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.1 Coconut Milk 1.5 2.0 0.1 PowderTocopherol 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Compositions 23-26 were formulated to reduce diffusion of the butyleneglycol through the PVOH envelope. Compositions 23-26 were formed bydissolving Ceteareth-20 in butylene glycol, while heating above themelting point of Ceteareth-20. The mixtures were cooled to form alamellar network surrounding the butylene glycol, SCI was added, andthen the remaining components were added to form hygiene products.

Composition 23 exhibited moderate gelation and no syneresis. Composition24 exhibited stable gelation, but poor performance due to excessiveCeteareth-20 emulsification. Composition 25 exhibited moderate gelation,but exhibited phase separation of SCI powder at the bottom of thesample. Composition 26 exhibited improved gelation compared toComposition 25, but also exhibited phase separation of SCI powder.

TABLE 7 Comp. 27 Comp. 28 Comp. 29 Component Weight % Weight % Weight %1,3 Butanediol 59.5 59.35 59.25 Tylose Powder 0.5 0.25 0.15 HostaponSCI-85 P 21.0 21.0 21.0 GlucoTain Plus 5.0 5.0 5.0 Cola Lipid SAFL 4.04.0 4.0 Cola Lipid C 4.0 4.0 4.0 Chembetaine C-42 3.5 3.5 3.5 EssentialOil Blend 1.5 1.5 1.5 Genencare OSMS 0.5 0.5 0.5 BA Arnica Extract 0.10.5 0.5 Coconut Milk 0.2 0.2 0.2 Powder Extracts 0.1 0.1 0.3 Tocopherol0.1 0.1 0.1

Compositions 27-29 utilized Tylose powder as a gellant to preventbutylene glycol diffusion. Compositions 27-29 were formed by dissolvingTylose in butylene glycol, while heating at about 60° C. The mixtureswere cooled and the remaining components were then added. Composition 27exhibited good stability, but was overly viscus and included undispersedTylose powder. Composition 28 exhibited good stability, reducedviscosity, as compared to Composition 27. Composition 29 produced afree-flowing gel having good stability and viscosity. Compositions 27-29were all highly compatible with PVOH envelopes.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the aspects and/or embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein.

1.-5. (canceled)
 6. A hygiene product pod comprising a water-solubleenvelope and a liquid product encapsulated within the water-solubleenvelope, wherein the liquid product is a conditioning agent for hairand/or body, a shampoo, a bodywash, a shaving product, or a combinationthereof and comprises: (i) a glycol carrier, wherein the glycol carriercomprises at least one of: butylene glycol, propylene glycol,dipropylene glycol, or N-acetyl diglycoamine; and (ii) one or moresurfactants in a combined amount of from about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %,based on the total weight of the liquid product, wherein the one or moresurfactants comprises capryloyl methyl glucamide, caproyl methylglucamide, lauroyl methyl glucamide, myristoyl methyl glucamide, cetylalcohol, stearyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphateand linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate; wherein the liquidproduct does not dissolve the water-soluble envelope when encapsulatedin the water-soluble envelope, and wherein the liquid product does notphase separate within the water-soluble envelope.
 7. The hygiene productpod of claim 6, wherein the liquid product further comprises at leastone anionic surfactant.
 8. The hygiene product pod of claim 6, whereinthe liquid product further comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant.9. The hygiene product pod of claim 8, wherein the at least oneamphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine.
 10. The hygiene productpod of claim 9, wherein the cocamidopropyl betaine is present in anamount of from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, based on the total weightof the liquid product.
 11. The hygiene product pod of claim 9, whereinthe cocamidopropyl betaine is present in an amount of from about 4 wt %to about 6 wt %, based on the total weight of the liquid product. 12.The hygiene product pod of claim 6, wherein the water-soluble envelopedissolves in the amount of water at a temperature of about 25° C. in atime period of from about 3 seconds to about 15 seconds.
 13. The hygieneproduct pod of claim 6, wherein the liquid product further comprises aquaternary ammonium salt.
 14. The hygiene product pod of claim 6,wherein the liquid product further comprises an additional non-ionicsurfactant.
 15. The hygiene product pod of claim 6, wherein the glycolcarrier comprises propylene glycol.
 16. The hygiene product pod of claim6, wherein the one or more surfactants comprises cocamidopropylPG-dimonium chloride phosphate in an amount of from about 1 wt % toabout 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the liquid product.
 17. Thehygiene product pod of claim 6, wherein the one or more surfactantscomprises linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate in an amountof about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the liquid product. 18.The hygiene product pod of claim 6, wherein the liquid product furthercomprises lauramine oxide.
 19. The hygiene product pod of claim 6,wherein the one or more surfactants comprises cetyl alcohol.
 20. Thehygiene product pod of claim 6, wherein the one or more surfactantscomprises stearyl alcohol.
 21. The hygiene product pod of claim 6,wherein the liquid product has a free water content of about 20 wt % orless, based on the total weight of the liquid product.